To commemorate the miracle of Chanukah, the Sages instituted the Mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles. The Mitzvah is described as נר איש וביתו, literally, a candle for a man and his home (household). From this, most of the Halachic authorities learn that the Mitzvah is fulfilled by lighting at one’s home. The Chanukah candles should be placed outside of the house on the left side of door.
Chaza”l teach that when it was dangerous to light outdoors, one could suffice by lighting the Menorah inside the house. This became the basis for the practise in Chutz Laaretz of lighting indoors.
The Gemara does not mention lighting the Menorah in Shule. It is not mentioned by the Geonim or by the classic Rishonim; Rif, Rashi, Tosfos, Rambam and Ran.
The custom of lighting the Menorah in Shule is first found in the works of the later Rishonim. Some of the Rishonim support the Minhag whilst others question it. They also present a number of reasons for the Minhag. From the words of these Rishonim, we find 5 main reasons for the custom of lighting in Shule:
- To be Moitzi guests who stay in the Shule
- To be Moitzi those who do not know how to light themselves
- To sanctify Hashem’s name in public
- A remembrance of the Beis Hamikdash – since the Shule is called a Mikdash Me’at
- Pirsumei Nissa – publicizing the miracle.
The Beis Yosef references a number of the explanations of the Rishonim. In the Shulchan Aruch he only cites the reason of the Rivash – Pirsumei Nissa. The Rivash writes emphatically that no one is Yoitzai with this lighting.
Making a Brachah on a Minhag
A number of Rishonim questioned how we can make a Brachah over what is essentially a Minhag. Some even said that this would be a Brachah Levatalah.
In his Teshuvah, the Rivash brings proof from the ‘Half Hallel’ of Rosh Chodesh, which is only a Minhag and yet we make a blessing over it. This follows the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam and is the ruling of the Ram”o. A Bracha over Chanukah candles in Shule would be the same.
The Mechaber follows the opinion of the Rambam that we do not make a Brachah on a Minhag and therefore, no Brachah is recited on ‘Half Hallel’. However, the Poskim explain that the Chanukah candles in Shule are different as they entail Pirsumei Nissa which warrants a Brachah.
Where to light
The Menorah in Shule is kindled on the south wall of the Shule. This is to replicate the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdash which stood against the south wall of the Kodesh.
There is an argument whether the Menorah in Shule should be placed with the candles running from east to west or from north to south. The Ram”o rules that the Menorah should be arranged from east to west. Magen Avraham writes that there are those who place the Menorah facing from north to south. He concludes that each place should follow their Minhag.
The divergent customs are based on a dispute between the sages of the Mishna over which direction the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdash faced. Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi (Rebbi) taught that the Menorah faced from east to west. Rabbi Elozor, the son of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, taught that the Menorah faced from south to north.
There are different customs whether the one lighting the Menorah stands on the south side facing north, or whether they stand in the north facing the south wall.
The Menorah should also be lit in a Beis Midrash that is also used for Davening. If the Shule has many Minyanim, the Menorah should be lit in the primary Minyan.
When to light
The Menorah in Shule is kindled between Mincha and Maariv. It cannot be kindled before Plag Hamincha. If the Shule Davens Mincha earlier, the Menorah should be lit later or before Maariv. The Menorah is kindled before Aleinu, so that it is considered part of the Tefillah.
It is customary for the Menorah to be lit for Shacharis as well. There is a directive of the Rebbe to do this.
Who can light
Since no one is Yoitzai with the lighting in Shule, it may technically be done by a child who has reached the age of Chinuch. Nonetheless, out of respect for the community, it is preferable for an adult to light the candles.
Minyan
Since the lighting in Shule is for Pirsumei Nissa, one should only light with a Brachah if there is a Minyan present. For this purpose, women and children can be counted towards the 10. No one is Yotzai with the lighting in Shule and they must light again at home.
What to light with
Since the Menorah in Shule is to commemorate the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdash, it should be kindled with olive oil. Others specifically use wax candles – preferably beeswax. This was the Minhag in 770.
Magen Avraham writes that the candles should be left to burn until midnight. It is a Hiddur to have candles that burn for the full 24 hours. When leaving candles lit in Shule, all safety precautions should be taken, especially if there are young children around.
